Kyrie Irving dives for a loose ball during the second quarter of Thursday's loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Irving said after the game he enjoys Cleveland and believes he'll be here "for a long time." (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

NEW YORK: Kyrie Irving said he enjoys being in Cleveland and playing for the Cavaliers, but stopped short of saying he'll take a max contract offer if he's presented with one this summer.

ESPN's Chad Ford reported earlier Thursday in his weekly chat that Irving has privately told people he wants out of Cleveland.

"There’s been so much so-called reports coming out that I don’t want to be here. That’s what you guys get paid to do, but that’s just so much negative attention," Irving said following the Cavs' 117-86 loss to the Knicks. "I know we’re struggling, but it’s not about me. It’s about our team. It’s about us fighting every day for each other and me fighting for my teammates.

"Yes, I’m in Cleveland. I enjoy myself. I enjoy going out and competing at the highest level for the Cleveland Cavaliers. That’s what it’s about. It’s not about me and it’s not about this controversy, ‘Do I privately want out when my contract is up?’ I’m still in my rookie contract and I’m happy to be here. And I’m pretty sure I’m going to be here for a long time. I’m not saying anything to tell the future, but I’m pretty sure the relationship I have with Dan Gilbert and management extends off the court. I enjoy being here."

When told he can sign a lucrative contract this summer, Irving said, "I'm aware of that," but stopped short of saying he'd sign here long term.

"It’s still too early to say. I’m still trying to get through this season," he said. "Everybody is trying to antagonize this team and put it on me. I’m here for my teammates, I’m here for Coach Brown and the coaching staff and I’m going to play my heart out every single night for the Cleveland Cavaliers."